Discover some of Britain's most fantastic flower shows

Friday 10 May 2019

To commemorate our 50th anniversary, we at VisitBritain have teamed up with RHS Chelsea to promote 2019's wonderful flower shows! From RHS Chelsea and RHS Hampton Court to the delightful lesser-known shows that take place up and down the country, spring and summer in Britain are packed with an abundance of floral delights. One such highlight is sure to be the new 154-acre garden in the grounds of Worsley New Hall opening in 2020. To celebrate, RHS Chelsea has teamed up with garden designer Tom Stuart-Smith to create the RHS Bridgewater Garden at Chelsea. The largest exhibit in this year's show, the garden will reveal some of the key features of the new development, with the entire garden being relocated to Worsley New Hall following the Chelsea Flower Show. In the meantime, here’s our round-up of some of the fabulous shows to visit this year.

National Flower Show at Hylands House

Set in the grounds of the spectacular Hylands House and Estate in Essex, the National Flower Show will return for its fifth year in 2019. The Floral Pavilion is the centre of the show, providing inspiration as exhibitors present the finest plants and flowers as they compete to be crowned Best in Show. TV gardener Carol Klein will officially open the show, before hosting two question and answer sessions on all things floral. On top of an array of gardening talks, there’ll also be an opportunity to participate in floral workshops, although participation in these will be limited. Entry to the impressive Hylands House, Parks and Gardens is included with entry to the show.

When? 17-19 May

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Taking place from 21-25 May 2019 and now in its 116th year, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a much-loved staple of the British horticultural calendar. From exquisite traditional gardens to cutting-edge design and exhibits exploring the science behind horticulture, the show has something for every green-fingered enthusiast. Visitors can meet the world’s leading growers and discover a riot of colour and scent at the Great Pavilion – which this year features ‘Gardening Will Save the World’, its first show garden, see the very latest innovations in design at exhibits including the new RHS Garden Bridgewater Garden at Chelsea by designer Tom Stuart-Smith, and learn about the benefits of gardening and green space to health and wellbeing.

When? 21-25 May

Gardening Scotland

With its focus on gardening and outdoor living, Gardening Scotland hosts an abundance of designers and features all of the latest gardening trends. More than 400 exhibitors from across Britain flock to the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh, while numerous florists and horticultural experts are on hand to answer queries and provide advice. Pop-up food stalls and cafes serve an eclectic mix of country food, providing everything from sandwiches and speciality coffees to Scottish steak rolls.

When? 31 May - 2 June

RHS Chatsworth Flower Show

The grounds of Chatsworth House provide the setting for the RHS Chatsworth Flower Show, offering spectacular summer colours, unique shopping experiences and numerous have-a-go workshops. From thought-provoking show gardens featuring innovative planting ideas to floral experts in the marquees to answer questions, Chatworth covers the needs of every gardener, regardless of experience. More than 200 exhibitors will also be in attendance, offering everything from sculpture and garden furniture to everything in between.

When? 5-9 June

Blenheim Palace Flower Show

Returning for its seventh year in 2019, the Blenheim Palace Flower Show offers three days of stunning flower displays, mouth-watering food and drink and inspiration for both the home and outdoors. Discover hand-made crafts and gifts in the Home and Country Living Pavilion before casting an eye over the entries for Best in Show in the Grand Floral Pavilion, all in the shadow of the magnificent Blenheim Palace.

When? 21-23 June

Woburn Abbey Garden Show

Marking a decade since the Woburn Abbey Garden Show first graced the landscaped grounds of Woburn Abbey, 2019’s show will feature a hand-picked selection of exhibitors and nurseries. Visitors can expect live entertainment, food and shopping alongside informative talks, demonstrations and gardening tours. Gain rare access to the Private Gardens of the Duke and Duchess of Bedford and browse a selection of RHS Medal winning nurseries that offer a diverse mix of European and global plants.

When? 22-23 June

RHS Flower Show Tatton Park

Rich gardening inspiration, entertaining family activities and hands-on workshops are just some of what is on offer at the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park. Discover the essentials for creating a new vegetable plot, meet the future stars of garden design as part of the RHS Young Designer of the Year competition and browse the stalls of hundreds of exhibitors before wandering through a dazzling display of more than 5,000 dahlias. An interactive feature called the Bug Hub will detail the lifecycle of insects, while the School Gardens, created by hundreds of local school children, are just waiting to be explored.

When? 17-21 July

Prestatyn Flower Show

Held annually in the North Wales seaside town of Prestatyn, the Prestatyn Flower Show features an array of beautiful plants and garden furniture alongside arts, crafts and prize-winning exhibitions. Relax with traditional brand band music and live jazz and explore a striking collection of classic cars before discovering the many boutique shops and eateries in the town.

When? 26-27 July

Chorley Flower Show

The fourth edition of the annual Chorley Flower Show transforms Astley Park into a blaze of colour in late July, as horticultural exhibitors and florists descend on the heart of Lancashire. As well as plenty of garden designs and exciting species, there’s also an amateur marquee packed full of beautiful plants and shrubs.

When? 27-28 July

Shrewsbury Flower Show

Attracting exhibitors from all over Britain, the Shrewsbury Flower Show is home to spectacular entertainment, celebrity chefs and a wealth of stunning flower collections. The UK’s top nurseries display their plants in the Quarry Marquee, while the lecture theatre hosts talks from leading industry experts throughout the show. Alongside a space for amateur growers to showcase their skills, expect bees and honey exhibitors before a magnificent firework display brings an end to proceedings.

When? 9-10 August

Southport Flower Show

Find inspiration, try out delicious regional food and immerse yourself in spectacular show gardens at the Southport Flower Show that reflect the 2019 theme of ‘Garden Party’. Visit the Grand Floral Marquee to unearth a treasure trove of plants, flowers, trees, shrubs, vegetables and herbs before being immersed by the landscape designers that go head-to-head to create the most Curious Garden at the show.

Taking place in late summer, the RHS Wisley Flower Show is home to a plethora of colourful plants, an expert zone with talks and demos and ample opportunities to seek gardening advice. The National Dahlia Society Annual Show forms part of proceedings, showcasing the very best in dahlia cultivation in Britain.